Gene Wade Willingham

By Charles | July 29, 2025 |

Wichita Falls, Texas – Gene Wade Willingham passed peacefully into his eternal resting place on July 16th, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family. He was 84 years old.

Gene was born on August 30, 1940, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the only child of Viola and John Willingham. He attended school in Ardmore through the 8^th grade and then transferred to Dickson High School where he walked 4 miles to catch the bus. Graduating at 17, he continued his education at Southeastern State University in Durant, receiving his undergraduate and master’s degree in business education.

Upon graduation, he moved to Houston to begin his teaching career and change young lives for the better. While teaching at Will Rogers Elementary, he met the love of his life, Helen, and five and a half months later they married at Santa Rosa Ranch in July of 1969.

Helen and Gene lived in Houston where he became the youngest principal in the Houston ISD at age 27. They were blessed to welcome their daughter Jennifer and son John in 1971 and 1974.

In 1975, upon the death of Helen’s father, John Biggs, they moved back to the Waggoner Ranch in Vernon, Texas where they raised their family. Gene had a career of 41 years with the Waggoner Estate where he was privileged to learn all aspects of the ranching business, eventually becoming co-director.

While living at the ranch, Gene was involved with the Vernon community. He was a director of the Waggoner National Bank, Director of The Chamber of Commerce, ran the E Paul and Helen Buck Waggoner Foundation and was a member of The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association. He founded the wrestling program for Vernon Junior High and High School which began in the garage of the Waggoner Estate Building. He coached both children in little league softball and baseball and was known as the “can do coach”. Helen and Gene enjoyed raising and showing cutting horses for a number of years. They trailered from Fort Worth to Augusta, GA and lots of places in between, managing to win a few buckles along the way.

In later years, Gene loved teaching his grandchildren to hunt, fish, shoot a gun and how to respect the outdoors. Nothing gave him greater joy than watching and cheering on his grandkids from recitals to sporting events. They always knew “Pop” was never too busy for them.

One of his greatest qualities was making people feel like they were the only one in the room. Many have told us how selfless he was and their lives were impacted by his kind heart. His bright blue eyes always had a twinkle and a hint of mischief; just ask anyone.

In December of 2016, Gene and Helen moved from the country to the “big city” of Wichita Falls. The last eight and a half years have been blessings upon blessings with amazing new friends and a very special community.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and John Willingham.

He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Helen Biggs Willingham; daughter, Jennifer (Philip) Williamson of Fort Worth and son John (April) Willingham of Dallas. Grandchildren, Philip Jr (Anna Brett), David, Andrew and Daniel Williamson and Abigail and Johnny Willingham, sister-in-law Electra (Bill) Moulder and niece Electra (Bret) Burford and family.

Fully loved, fully forgiven and fully accepted by God. Not because he got it right, but because Jesus did.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Vernon, Hospice of Wichita Falls or The Waggoner Gallery at the Red River Valley Museum in Vernon.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26^th at 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church in Vernon under the direction of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.